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Tuesday, 26 March 2013

I was very happy to be sent this book to review as I do love amigurumi. I am not a natural crocheter, but have been a knitter since a child and have taught myself crochet in the last few years. Everytime I return to crochet after a few months break I have to more or less re-learn how to do it. But I do enjoy crochet and I love amigurumi as I can crochet, crochet, crochet and often there is little sewing up (which I hate!).

This book has patterns for lots of mini creatures and hearts, and toadstools. I thought I would try one of the simplest things plus I only had one colour of thread to use!

The smallest crochet hook I had was 2mm, and the book does recommend 1mm and uses 1mm for its patterns. However, there is a really good and useful Techniques section which gives the photos of the sizes if you used different hooks and yarn, so you can use whatever size you want it just will not be as mini. The mini things can be used in jewellery and do look very sweet as earrings, brooches or on keychains.

The one thing I would ask is that book writers and pattern writers please tell me where to put my hook to make a stitch, and (forgive me if Sara Scales the author did and I just did not notice) I had to look it up on the internet.

Amigurumi Dog from Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales

Amigurumi Dog from Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales

Rear View of Amigurumi Dog from Mini- Amigurumi by Sara Scales

I did have to do some sewing up and it was not horrible at all as all I had to add were ears and a tail to my little dog. But I enjoyed the whole thing so much that I plan to make a little bear next and he has more things to sew on. I am very happy with the results and the little dog is very sweet. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using such a small hook and thin thread. Now armed with more thread I hope to make more. I can recommend this book as the patterns and great fun and the instructions easy to understand. I think some previous crochet experience will be needed but not much.

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Brrr..it is jolly cold out there. So what more could you want to keep out the chills than this super ...thing.

Also called 'scooter style' this ..whatsit will keep you warm as you walk, cycle, run or scooter out and about.

And for you lucky people, I am giving away this pattern. How lucky can you get!

It is a vintage 1960s pattern. You can make 3 different sizes of ..headwear - 3/6 years, 7/10 years and adult. So your children can wear one too! It is knitted in double-knit.

To win this pattern (which is the original not a copy) then leave a comment. Any comment will do (except you naughty spammers), but for fun you could tell me what colour/s you would make it in. Closing date is midnight GMT Sunday 17th March 2013.

Sunday, 10 March 2013

Now we thought Mary might go as Cleopatra, she said she wanted to. And I was designing the outfit in my head. But then I forgot when World Book Day was.

One evening I had a text from Mary's friend's mum asking if Mary wanted to go with them to buy things for the Julia Donaldson costume for World Book day. 'What Julia Donaldson costume?' I texted back (or words to that effect). Well, it turns out that this year the school had decided the whole school had to dress up as a character from a Julian Donaldson book.

I was a bit annoyed for various reasons. Looking back now I can see that it might put a halt to the 'Disney Princess dress-up' of previous years. However, at the time I was angry because I thought it was supposed to be the child's favourite character from their choice of books. I also was angry because Mary stopped reading Julia Donaldson ages ago. I was mostly angry because this was two days before World book Day and my child had not been given the letter informing us of the school's decision.So easy option - go as a witch. We had witch stuff. But, you know me, it cannot be any witch. No, it has to be THE witch from Room on the Broom. So my shopping, sewing, making instinct that every parent has come dressing up day, came into the fore. GO MUMS!!Here is the book witch:

Here is our Witch:

Yes, I made the skirt (complete with blue dots all over it); yes I made the brooch; yes I made the hair and stuck it onto the hat; yes I put red dots all over the yellow ribbon; yes I glued gold sequins to the star on the wand. She did have a black cloak but we forgot to take the photo of her wearing it.I am sorry if I appear a bit proud of myself but frankly I am. The lovely red cardigan is handmade by my mum. There were plenty of witches at the school, but there was only one witch who was THE witch.Bring on World Book Day 2014, baby. (*cries*)